An awareness gap on AIDS

7:32 PM,
Nov. 30, 2012

Written by

DR. SAM HO
Guest Essayist

Twenty one years ago, on Nov. 7, 1991, America was jolted with the news that basketball legend Magic Johnson had contracted HIV and would immediately retire from the sport.

Almost immediately, Johnson began taking the antiretroviral drug AZT, and his health quickly improved. Just three months later, Johnson returned to basketball to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, where his performance earned him the MVP award.

Johnson's fans and supporters were delighted by his triumphant return. And through Johnson's experience, mainstream America began to understand that HIV infection was no ...